Online Running Coach?

[claudiakishi]

I struggle with mapping out a plan for running/training. Usually I use Hal Higdon’s training plans when I have a race I’m working towards, but since that’s not happening right now I am a little aimless. I like being told exactly what to do on specific days. I’m not good left to my own devices. I’d also like to incorporate more strength training and I’m not sure how to do it. I follow Relentless Runners on Instagram and they seem to do what I want, but I believe it’s $150 a month. Not sure if it’s worth that much, or if there are others out there. Does anyone here use or know anything about online coaching and have any recs?

[sakoro]

There are many free or much cheaper apps. I’ve been using Adidas, which has many guided programs (for preparing for half marathon, for weight loss, for getting faster). The Nike running app seems to have more of the one off runs with different coaches giving advice and combined with a mindfulness app.

[sadlebred]

I think the question would be do you want a generic training plan or a coach that will work with you as an individual and come up with a monthly custom plan for you that they can tweak, give you feedback on your training, access to the coach via email/phone/text, etc.?

[lilypad1126]

I use an online running coach. I really like it. It’s like 95/month, but I really wanted a plan tailored to me and someone to give me feedback and change the plan depending on how I was doing. I was about a year into it when Ovid and lockdown hit. It’s been helpful to keep me motivated through it. I debated canceling over winter b/c it’s so tough to run outside here in the winter, but I kept it up and now I’m glad. I don’t pay much for a gym membership, and I’m not paying now due to COVID, so it’s easy to justify the price.

I used a bunch of free apps and programs prior to signing up for this. And they worked ok, but it was too easy for me to skip workouts, not do speed work, etc etc. this keeps me more accountable and has helped me get faster and stronger and just overall a better runner. 

[claudiakishi]

Feb 27, 2021 19:20:09 GMT -5 lilypad1126 said:

I use an online running coach. I really like it. It’s like 95/month, but I really wanted a plan tailored to me and someone to give me feedback and change the plan depending on how I was doing. I was about a year into it when Ovid and lockdown hit. It’s been helpful to keep me motivated through it. I debated canceling over winter b/c it’s so tough to run outside here in the winter, but I kept it up and now I’m glad. I don’t pay much for a gym membership, and I’m not paying now due to COVID, so it’s easy to justify the price.

I used a bunch of free apps and programs prior to signing up for this. And they worked ok, but it was too easy for me to skip workouts, not do speed work, etc etc. this keeps me more accountable and has helped me get faster and stronger and just overall a better runner. 

Would you mind sharing what one you use? I don’t have a gym membership either so I’m willing to pay for one if the cost seems worth it

[claudiakishi]

Feb 27, 2021 18:58:45 GMT -5 sadlebred said:

I think the question would be do you want a generic training plan or a coach that will work with you as an individual and come up with a monthly custom plan for you that they can tweak, give you feedback on your training, access to the coach via email/phone/text, etc.?

Yeah, I think I’m looking for more than generic. I’m good at following a plan but not coming up with one.

[lilypad1126]

claudiakishi, Sure. I use run your personal best. I honestly just googled to find it, but I’ve been very happy with it. I mostly just text with my coach thru an app where he loads in my training plan, and we talk via phone a few times a year. We talk by phone more often when I can actually race or if I have lots of questions (like when I sprained my ankle and wanted to talk about what to do). Oh, and when I bought my spin bike over the summer, he helped me figure out when to run, when to spin, and how best to add spin workouts into my running plan.